STEVEN GERRARD remains on course to be fit for the start of the Premier League season – despite being ruled out of Liverpool’s tour of Asia.

The Reds skipper will remain at Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme when the squad fly off to China on Sunday.

However, the club’s medical team remain happy with the progress the 31-year-old has made since he underwent groin surgery.

It was no surprise that Gerrard won’t be travelling to the Far East as he recently admitted it was likely to be late July before he could return to action.

His target remains being back firing on all cylinders for Liverpool’s league opener against Sunderland at Anfield on August 13.

“Steven and the medical team have done fantastically well so far and they are in the final stages of getting him back to full training,” said boss Kenny Dalglish.

“I’m sure there will be supporters disappointed that Steven is unable to be with us in Asia, but I’m sure the same people will appreciate the importance of Steven giving himself the best possible opportunity of being fit to play against Sunderland on the opening day of the new campaign.

“Steven continuing his rehabilitation programme at Melwood is in everybody’s long-term interests.”

Gerrard, who hasn’t played since Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United on March 6, is disappointed to miss the trip but knows the decision has been taken in his best interests.

“I’d really been looking forward to travelling out to China, Malaysia and Singapore and meeting first hand as many of our fans as possible, and I’m really sorry that I won’t now be able to do that,” he said.

“All of us at the club realise the incredible support we enjoy in these countries and how much it means to our supporters there.

“But after sitting down and talking with the medical experts and technical staff, it’s been decided that the best course of action is for me to continue my rehabilitation programme at Melwood. It’s disappointing I won’t be with them, but I’m sure the lads who go out there will put a great show on for our fans.”

Liverpool play Guangdong in China next Wednesday before travelling to Kuala Lumpur to face a Malaysia XI on July 16. They will host a training session in Singapore the following night prior to returning to Merseyside.

Meanwhile, Milan Jovanovic is on his way out of Anfield after being told he’s free to find another club. The Serbia international endured a dismal first season with the Reds following his arrival on a free transfer from Standard Liege last summer.

“I got the paper from Liverpool that I am free to search for a new club,” Jovanovic said.

“Up to now, I still haven’t received an official offer from Olympiakos, but I am looking forward to hearing their plans.”

Jovanovic scored twice in 13 starts for the Reds but looked woefully out of his depth in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old made just two appearances under Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool are keen to get him off their wage bill. Reports in Greece suggest Olympiakos are keen to snap him up.